Saint Nick

No Regrets

A/N//:

On the sixth day of Christmas,
My author gave to me
Six elves a packing,
Five Golden Trojans,
Four big words,
Three tiny smiles,
Two pounding hearts,
and One cheater with too many regrets

Chapter Six-No Regrets

Waking up next to Santa's son was definitely an experience, that's for sure. I looked at his puffed up cheeks that were resting against the pillow and his hair that was a complete mess on top of his head. He looked quite cute, and very handsome. I took my finger and lightly traced patterns on the arm that was holding me, hoping to wake him up slightly. He began to stir, and before long, his milk chocolate eyes met mine.

"Well, good morning," he muttered, his voice still thick with sleep.

"It's Christmas," I smiled, snuggling closer to his chest.

"Are you ready for your presents?"

Presents? Oh my, Gosh I completely forgot! I sat up and looked at him, resting my elbow on the pillow. "I suppose it slipped my mind...I don't know if I want anything, Nick."

"What? Why?!" He was now in the same position, worry etched on his face.

I sat up, criss cross and looked my hands in my lap. "I don't have anything to give you."

Nick smiled and shook his head. "Oh, Winter, you've given me the best of gifts!" He pulled me in to a quick, passionate kiss and hugged me close. "Now, let's open some presents and we can eat breakfast while the elves pack your things."

"Sounds like a wonderful plan," I laughed, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. He then picked me up and carried me to the living area that was filled with the presents he brought last night. "There's so many!"

"It's only ten," he said, rolling his eyes.

"That's a lot."

"Here," he said, pulling me to the couch. "Sit here and I'll bring them to you."

I nodded and he brought me each gift, one by one. Most of it was clothes and apparel for in the North Pole. "Did you know I'd say yes?"

"No, I just hoped you'd want some warmer clothes," he said in fake innocence. We laughed and he shook his head. "In all honesty, I didn't plan for anything to happen as it did last night. I had those things made because I knew you were wanting to visit Montana and it can get pretty chilly..." I smiled and kissed him. "Last one," he said, pulling away to reach behind the tree. "It's not snow gear I promise."

I laughed and tore open the paper, staring at the box in wonder. "You got me a computer?"

"I know you love to write and I think you could make quite a living on it," he smiled, slightly blushing.

I grinned and took his cheeks in my hands, pulling him close to kiss his beautiful lips once again this morning. Holy, I could get used to this feeling. "You're so thoughtful and so sweet. I'm going to have to keep up with you."

"Well, I-Rico, be careful with that!" I turned and saw three little elves piling things into a box while four carried it through the portal. The guilty elf blushed and nodded, signaling for another box to be brought in. "We'll have everything ready to go by tomorrow."

"That was fast," I chuckled, putting my head on his shoulder and sighing.

"There is still time to change your mind."

I shook my head. "No, I'm doing this-we're doing this." I clasped his hand in both of mine and smiled, kissing his cheek. "These are the most spontaneous things I've ever done, and I feel great. I promise, this is what I want. Do you?"

"Yes," he said immediately, meeting my eyes in assurance. "I've never wanted anything more in my whole life."

"Good. So no regrets?"

"No regrets," he confirmed, giving me a heartfelt kiss on my lips. "So what do you want to do with the time we have while they're packing?"

"Well...I would like to see my family before we go," I whispered, looking down and twiddling with my fingers. Would he think that was weird?

"Of course. Would you like me to come with?"

I gave him a tight lipped smile and nodded. "I'd like that a lot. They would've really liked you."

"You think so?"

"Yeah, especially-" I paused and gulped. "Especially Alex." I felt a bit of relief saying his name, I hadn't uttered it in so long.

"I remember him," Nick smiled. "He was always very sweet to you."

"Yeah," I laughed. "All these girls would have horror stories of how their little brothers would torment them, but Alex never did any of that; we hardly ever got into a fight." I hadn't realized I was crying until he kissed my cheeks where wetness had gathered.

"Maybe we better go tomorrow?"

"No, I want to relax with you and travel tomorrow. We need to do it today."

He nodded and kissed my hands. "If that's what you want, then we'll do it."

....

The ride to the cemetery was quiet, but comfortable. Nick held my clammy hand the entire way there and all the way down the familiar paths to the grey stones..all in a row. I sighed and laid down each bouquet of flowers; pink roses for Mom, red roses for Dad, and white roses for Alex. 

"Hey, everyone," I said, my voice slightly cracking at the end. I could see all their faces before me, smiling. Nick wrapped his arms around me and rested his chin on my shoulder. "I'm going away for a while with Nick; I don't know when I'll be back. I love you." I didn't think I could say anymore. 

"I'll take care of her, I promise," Nick said with finality. "She will never be without as long as I am breathing." I smiled up at him and pulled him into a kiss. "No regrets."

"No regrets."